¡Feliz cumpleaños!, bonne anniversaire, happy birthday. Whatever language you say it in, it means the same thing; it’s a celebration of someone’s life on the day it came into the world. Alas, Mr Yancey’s is no longer with us to enjoy the occasion but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate his work – and that’s what we’ll do. Below you’ll find some of our favourite videos, tracks and articles about the great man. Whether you’re not that familiar with his or you want to appreciate his work all over again, enjoy!
Articles
Potholes – OUR 20 FAVORITE J DILLA BEATS
The Guardian – The cult of J Dilla
Stones Throw – The story behind some of J Dilla’s greatest productions
Stones Throw – Dilla and Madlib in Brazil
Pay Jay in your own way – Dilla and hip hop revisionism
NPR Music – Why J Dilla May Be Jazz’s Latest Great Innovator
The Primer: 10 J Dilla Beats Everyone Should Know
Tributes, instrumentals and mixes
Potholes – Dewitt Do It
Ali Shaheed Muhammad – J Dilla Tribute Special